October 12, 2009

RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town"

"Talk of the Town"By Bonni BrodnickPut on your dancing shoes and tails and join the at their 7th annual fall benefit, “Top Hat & Cocktails,” at The Ritz-Carlton in White Plains on Friday, Oct. 30 from 7-9:30 p.m. The evening will honor Susan Maounis and Lisa Wysocki, two dedicated animal lovers who have been leaders in helping the SPCA save hundreds of animals. Chairman of the board since 2005 of this awesome organization is Pound Ridger Deb Mehne, who is, plain and simply, nuts for dogs. (But that’s a different story. Bobby Sue’s Nuts! is another one of her pet projects. As one of three partners of this sweet/savory, organic nut company, a portion of every dollar earned goes to helping build new animal shelters.)

“The upcoming SPCA benefit invites both dogs and the people who love them to step out together for a special evening to benefit homeless and abused animals of Westchester County,” said Deb, who is mom of lucky dogs Stella, Henry and Ladybird. Along with amazing volunteers and an outstanding executive director, Deb has helped bring the SPCA from a sad and rundown pound to a haven that offers hope to any animal that comes through its gates. They also have a cadre of volunteers who work with canines and give them obedience training so that they will be more readily adoptable. “The SPCA is the only humane society in Westchester County empowered to enforce laws relating to animal cruelty,” Deb said. The organization receives no federal, state, or country funds, and relies solely on the support of people who care about animal welfare. SPCA is also aligned with numerous rescue organizations in the Northeast and South who funnel dogs to get them out of high-kill shelters. “Most animals in our area are spayed or neutered, so there aren’t many puppies. By rescuing them, SPCA attracts a lot of families looking for a dog. So it’s win-win for both us and the families. We are a no-kill shelter and have older dogs, too. Eight years ago, someone tied a pit bull to the front gates. The dog was with us all this time and we finally got her adopted. We cheered loudly for that one.”

Not looking forward to that woeful look from your pooch when you leave the house again on a Saturday night? Take out the dog! “Top Hat & Cocktails” will be a fun night with a Halloween flavor. Dress yourself and your dog in costume and high-tail it out for a night on-the-town. There will be dancing, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, a fabulous silent auction, and even gourmet dog treats and a canine ice cream bar. For more information, call 941-2896, ext. 22 or go to http://www.spcs914.org/. Your dog will be begging to go.

The mission of the Pound Ridge Neighbors and Newcomers Club is simple: to help foster relationships amongst people in the community with fun social events and casual get-togethers that cover a wide variety of interests. To kick off the 2009-2010 season, the first gathering is “Fall Fabulous Wine Tasting” on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. Come savor seasonal wines and meet your neighbors. The evening is free to members; $15 for non-members. Bring your favorite bottle and an appetizer to share. Incidentally, PRCC is also looking for volunteers to serve on the board to help with their newsletter, advertising, and event support. The easiest way to participate is to come to one of their events and join their email list. For more information, check out http://www.prnnc.org/. You can also call PRNNC impresario Dawn Decker at 764-5190.

Did you know that October is cyberspace hygiene month? This annual cyber-clean-up is sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to reinforce the message that all computer users — not just industry and government, but y-o-u as well — can follow a few simple steps to keep safe online. Clean up your act and do a global change of your passwords. (By the way, if you’re password is “password,” I know what your password is.) And speaking of “p” words, don’t forget to get your seasonal pumpkins from the Pound Ridge Lions Club “pumpkin patch” on Westchester Avenue (right beyond Scotts Corner Market. Look for the big blue sign on the tent.) Along with big pumpkins, you’ll find baby pumpkins, gourds, and dried corn … all to benefit the Lions’ humanitarian efforts here, there and everywhere.